Even if LeBron James is set to leave Cleveland this summer, and the Cavaliers hold onto the Nets' first-round pick, the odds of them having another opportunity to win a championship like this one are very slim. Therefore, it would be wise for them to go all-in on a championship run this season. With this being said, they've been extremely reluctant on moving that aforementioned Nets' draft pick. So what if the Clippers enticed them with not only one great defensive player in Jordan, but two of them in Jordan and Bradley, in addition to taking on two of their bad contracts? Thompson would almost certainly have to be involved in any deal featuring Jordan, and even though Smith's contract has two years left on it beyond this year, the second year in non-guaranteed, so it's not as bad as it seems. Even though the Cavaliers would be losing a potentially high draft pick, if James were to leave this summer, trading away two bad contracts would allow the Cavaliers to re-sign their three big free agents in Jordan, Bradley, and Isaiah Thomas in an effort to at least compete for a playoff spot.

dannywhitesox1

1.) 08 Feb 2018 15:39:08
The Clippers probably turn that down. If they would take it, the Cavs probably should.

5.) 08 Feb 2018 16:55:33
Let's be real here, Thompson, and Smith alone would cost the pick. Then there's the problem Bradley not being traded in conjunction with another player having already been traded once already this season. Then you have to offer something for Bradley, and Jordan. Now, ignoring all of that, how does this trade make CLE a contender? Seriously? Trade the future to get the sh*t kicked out of you by BOS, TOR, HOU, GS? How is that responsible business practice?

1.) 30 Jan 2018 10:33:08
The 3rd trade is terrible for the Bucks and wouldn’t happen, but I can see the first two going down, and here’s why: the Griffin trade has shown us that the LAC are bad at trades and the Kings, well, are the Kings.

Regardless of what is going on with the mystery of Fultz in Philadelphia, his undeniable potential for superstardom has definitely not disappeared and the fact that the 76ers want to see all of that potential come to fruition in Philadelphia still exists. However, the fact that Ben Simmons has been thriving tremendously as a point guard in his first year leaves room for flexibility. Sure, Fultz can be shifted to the shooting guard position and Simmons is a point-forward anyway, however, if an opportunity came around to acquire a young, tremendous superstar, Fultz would be the top candidate for trade bait.

Enter Anthony Davis!

Just the thought of the trio of Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Davis is downright terrifying. Although all three players are at different point of their careers, they've all shown flashed of excellence on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court. Simmons, through a few handful of games, has shown that he can facilitate an offense, score in a variety of ways near the basket, and hold his own on the defensive end while stealing balls and blocking shots on a regular basis. Even though he's been limited in in-game action due to injuries, when healthy, Embiid has shown unmatched potential in his ability to score in the post and around the perimeter, rebound consistently, and terrorize offensives on the defensive end. Although those two players are only tapping into their potential, Davis has proven himself to be a superstar at the young age of 24. His efficiency on both ends of the court has turned him into an annual MVP candidate with the finish line still far ahead.

Alongside Robert Covington (27), T.J. McConnell (25), Justin Anderson (24), Richaun Holmes (24), Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (22), Furkan Korkmaz (20), newly acquired Diallo (21), the rights to 2017 first-round pick Anzejs Pasecniks (21), and over $20 million in cap space (based off a $101 million salary cap projection for the 2018/19 season), the upside of this trio and the team in general would be sky high.

As for the Pelicans, they'd be receiving this past year's number one pick who has been compared to a hybrid of James Harden and Russell Westbrook. That's a pretty tall order, but him playing anything close to that sort of a hybrid player would be a win for the Pelicans. Saric doesn't seem to have much star potential, but does look like he can turn into a very solid starter and third- or fourth-option on a good team. Okafor deserves a chance to showcase the talent he does possess (regardless of whether he fits in with the modern style of play or not), and doing so on a rebuilding team with not much talent at the center position (assuming the Pelicans trade DeMarcus Cousins as well should they decide to rebuild). Alongside two picks (one which should fall between the 15 and 20 range and the other which could fall between the second and fifth pick of this year or should be a high lottery pick next year), the Pelicans would have a hard time finding a better package for Davis than this one.

dannywhitesox1

1.) 29 Nov 2017 08:08:48
Looks like an overpay but i think Pelicans will hold on to Davis.

2.) 29 Nov 2017 16:03:44
What a remarkably lame trade offer for a Superstar. Draft picks and mediocre pieces do not get you a Superstar. I kinda feel bad that you basically wrote a book to defend a horrible trade offer.

In an attempt to compete for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference, the Jazz trade two semi-young, potential-filled players who really struggled last year while battling with injuries, along with a first-round pick, for a proven star-level player who would undoubtedly fit in very well alongside Rudy Gobert. Horlord is a player who can do a little bit of everything and has proven to be very consistent throughout his years in the league. Should Favors and Burks never return back to their 2015-16 form, this trade would turn out to be a steal for the Jazz.

Before I go any further, I feel compelled to mention that this trade would be contingent upon, at minimum, Cousins verbally agreeing to stay in Boston beyond 2018. With that being said, the Celtics are receiving the future of the NBA in 24-year-old Davis and another superstar in 27-year-old Cousins, so yes, they would have to give up an arm and a leg to pair those two alongside all-stars 25-year-old Kyrie Irving and 27-year-old Gordon Hayward. Wiping out their two young studs and most of their future assets (draft picks) would undoubtedly hurt Danny Ainge to the very core, but the "consolation prize" he would receive would be worth the hurt. Davis and Cousins would give him a 'Big Four' to probably pass the Cleveland Cavaliers as the best team in the Eastern Conference and challenge the older Golden State Warriors for the NBA championship for years to come. Ajinca and Allen would provide the team additional depth for the inevitable championship run the team would make.

The Pelicans have been struggling, struggling, and struggling some more to build a competent team around Davis. Even with the addition of Cousins, the Pelicans struggled beyond the all-star break to compete at a playoff level. There is no better time to trade Davis than now, and no team with more to offer the Pelicans for the services of Davis and Cousins than the Celtics. The package the Pelicans would receive in this trade would be very hard to pass up. Tatum and Brown are both extremely young and overflowing with potential. Both can be all-stars in future if provided the appropriate opportunities. Favors was an above average starting power forward two seasons ago before struggling, due to injuries, this past season. Burks was in a similar situation, although he was never as talented as Favors. Any type of resurgence from either player (which is likely due to the fact that both should be recovered from their injuries following this offseason) would allow the Pelicans to either build around them or flip them for more younger prospects. Finally, the Pelicans would receive a slew of first-round draft picks around which they could build around. The Lakers/Kings draft pick could be a top five pick, either in 2018 or 2019, and should undoubtedly be in the top 10. The Jazz and Grizzlies picks should fall somewhere between the 10-20 range, but could be higher depending on how the two teams perform. Finally, the Celtics draft pick would probably fall somewhere in the 25-30 range upon the execution of this trade, where quality players still exist if scouted well. It would be hard for the Pelicans to receive a better offer for any combination of Davis and Cousins at any point over the upcoming seasons than this one.

dannywhitesox1

1.) 04 Oct 2017 10:13:38
aside from NO moving davis and boogie together, nothing else is really outrageous about these trades. could work out in the long run for the pels if they draft right.

2.) 04 Oct 2017 10:34:11
i think i would prefer a version of this trade where boogie and one of brown/ tatum (i think i'd choose brown) stay put. i just can't see davis and boogie ever really thriving together especially alongside someone like kyrie who should be a primary scorer.

3.) 04 Oct 2017 13:09:05
Agree with donadamsky that trading for both would be kind of dumb since the experiment would have failed for NO already. I think they would be better off trying to keep Tatum or Brown. They need an another wing and guy who can turn in to an elite perimeter defender.

I also don't like this for Utah. They need a number one scoring option, but that isn't Horford. He would be a decent fit next at pf for them, but I'm not sure this even guarantees them a playoff spot. Horford is on a huge contract for 3 more years and by the end of it, he won't be worth the money. The Jazz are a fairly young team. I think they would be better off going through a mini rebuilding around Gobert or a complete rebuild.

This is a solid return for NO, but I'm still don't think they'll want to move Davis anytime in the near future.

5.) 05 Oct 2017 16:55:46
Hilarious. The Pelicans have been "struggling" Boogie and A. D. have played a whopping 15 games together since last season. And half of those are Holiday yet all of you think New Orleans is going to dump A. D.? Let me help you guys out with this. You do NOT trade a once in a generation player for mediocre to average pieces. If so i might propose this trade

Celtics fans really have a knack for thinking the rest of the league owes them their Superstars

6.) 07 Oct 2017 15:01:14
Dacman, that's four really good trade pieces (Brown, Tatum, La/ Sac and Memphis) and a few mediocre ones (Favors, Utah pick, Boston pick, Nader, and Burke) as well without having to take on much long term salary. I don't think NO should trade Davis anytime soon, but theoretically if they did, this would be a great haul. There isn't a team in the league that would be willing to give up more than that that has the pieces to do it.

The Nuggets have an excellent, balanced offense that's missing one key part: an efficient facilitator at the point guard position. Teague is by no means a great player, but he is a good player who can do a control an offense very, can do a little bit of everything, and doesn't turn the ball over too much. This is exactly what the Nuggets need if they want to make the playoffs during Millsap's tenure with the team. Although Hernangomez and Arthur figure to spell the starters some productive minutes off the bench, they are expendable. Mudiay, following a poor 2015-16 rookie season, regressed even more during the 2016-17 season and is looking more and more like a bust. After Jamal Murray's prolific rookie season, the Nuggets can afford to give up on Mudiay in favor of a veteran point guard.

The Cavaliers' front office will essentially be in panic mode all season long due to LeBrom James' unwillingness to commit to the franchise beyond this upcoming season. They should be ready to pull out all the stops to assure that he stays. Getting a healthy, 2017 clone of Isaiah Thomas would help wonders in achieving that goal, but acquiring Butler without giving up much short-term relevant assets in return would help even more. 28-years-old and currently smacked dab in the middle of his prime, Butler's presence in Cleveland beyond this year would make it very difficult for James to find a better situation, in terms of a team with a talented roster and enough cap space to sign him, entering free agency in 2018. Losing Crowder would hurt, and maybe even Shumpert and Frye would provide some depth to this Cavaliers' 2017-18 roster, however, acquiring Butler would more than make up for those loses. Not to mention, trimming over $5 million off this year's payroll would be music to Dan Gilbert's ears. Even if the worst were to happen and James were to leave following the conclusion of the upcoming season, rebuilding around Love, Butler, and Thomas, all still in their late 20s, would not be the worst thing in the world.

Giving up Antetokounmpo prior to him even hitting his prime years would be probably the most difficult decision the Bucks would have to make since they traded Karrem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975. However, if they were to panic and decide that it's time to trade him when his value is maximized, this would be a very good package to receive in return? Wiggins is expected to be a future perennial all-star and one of the best, if not the best, scorers in the league. The Nets' draft pick should easily land somewhere in the top five in next year's loaded draft, and has a chance to become the top pick in the draft. Crowder is still young, a very solid contributor, and playing on a great contract that team could either use for the foreseeable future or flip to another team for either another younger player or for a draft pick. Hernangomez and the Thunder draft pick would add to the Bucks' solid, young crop of talent while Frye's expiring contract would save the team some money in the future and would allow the team to flip him before this upcoming season's trade deadline, should he build up any trade value over the season.

The Timberwolves would undoubtedly receive the grand prize of this trade in 22-year-old Antetokounmpo who, along with Karl-Anthony Towns, would form the scariest, most potential-filled duo ever assembled. Both players are true unicorns at their respective positions (both can easily play multiple positions) and have 'future MVP' written all over their foreheads. The Timberwolves would be giving up 60% of their projected starting line-up to receive him, all of whom are either former, current, or future all-stars, which is exactly the type of package it would take to get Antetokounmpo. Mudiay has severely underperformed since being drafted by the Nuggets, but he is only 21-years-old and would be given every opportunity over the remaining two seasons of his rookie-scale contract to prove that he belongs in the league as a starter. The second purpose behind the Timberwolves making this trade would be the flexibility it would allow them to have during the 2019 offseason, when the contracts of Taj Gibson, Cole Aldrich, Jamal Crawford, Nemanja Bjelica, and fellow newcomers Arthur, Teletovic, & Shumpert would come off the team's salary cap payroll. The subtraction of those contracts (plus the possibility of removing Mudiay's and Tyus Jones' qualifying offers if they so desired) would provide the team with roughly over $32.7 million to spend in free agency, taking into account the projected $108,000,000 salary cap for the 2019-20 NBA season. Although players such as Eric Bledsoe, Klay Thompson Butler, Kevin Love, and Marc Gasol with be available during that offseason, the two players the team would really have their eyes on would be Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard, who would be 27-years-old and 28-years-old respectively. Either one of these players would give the Timberwolves undoubtedly the scariest threesome the league has seen since, well, this year's Golden State Warriors.

dannywhitesox1

1.) 02 Oct 2017 08:00:44
This is so confusing. Why in the world would those teams make such deal. Well, i will give you props for your effort but no way this kind of deal could ever happen.

3.) 02 Oct 2017 09:12:26
The Bucks turn that down. Giannis is easily a top ten player and has the potential to become a perennial MVP and dpoy candidate. It would take a stupid offer to pull him away from the Bucks.

I think the Timberwolves would have to take a long loo at it, but that's a lot to give up. In the short term their team gets worse.

It's fairly solid for the Cavs and Nuggets. Although, I'm not sure why the Nuggets really even need to be apart of this.

4.) 02 Oct 2017 20:05:13
ok, i get it, the goal here is blockbuster of the century. likelihood of this ever happening aside, its a pretty good deal for everyone but the bucks. swap out wiggins for kat, and the bucks add something else (parker, monroe. ), and this trade is the perfect paradigm shatterer. hell, maybe jokic goes to min and denver gets the additional bucks offering.

25 May 2017 20:33:17
The Celtics undoubtedly have the best mix of veteran talent and young prospects/draft picks in the entire NBA. The problems lies in the justified opinion that the team simply doesn't have the talent to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers over the next few years. Up to this point, the team has been unwilling to part with their young talents and draft picks in return for a superstar or a few stars. If this trend continues this offseason and the team is unable to nab one of the top free agents off the open market, a better route for the team may be a full on rebuild, taking advantage of their still youthful veteran talent and turning them into the best young team and potential-filled team in the NBA by a country mile.

Note: I'm not saying that a Celtics rebuild is the best route for the team to take by any stretch of the imagination. What I am saying is that if the Celtics don't decide to at least consolidate some of their assets this offseason and miss out on top free agents, this is simply a route the team should consider taking.

Move 1: Draft Markelle Fultz

This is the most obvious and easiest move for the Celtics to make. Fultz would give the team their point guard of the future who can do a little bit of some things and a lot of many things for the Celtics for years to come.

Mickey and Jackson are both still young but both of them don't project to do much in the league at this point. Zeller is a smart player, however, he doesn't possess much upside at all and had a hard time cracking the rotation for the Celtics all year.

Move 4: Sign Guerschon Yabusele and Ante Zizic

Both players were draft by the Celtics last year and stashed overseas, and both proceeded to impress overseas in their respective leagues. Both players are still very young and will look to make a quick impression on the team and the league early on in their careers.

No one is more desperate to return to prominence on an annual basis than the Knicks. Well this would be their way back up there. Picking up an all-star in Thomas, along with ridding themselves of L. Thomas' contract (hence, the inclusion of Hernangomez) would provide them with the talent they have been hoping to acquire for years now to pair with Anthony. Sacrificing a future first-round pick to a team like the Nets would potentially rid them of Courtney Lee's or Joakim Noah's contract, allowing them to pursue big free agent names either this year or next to pair alongside Anthony and Thomas.

Acquiring Porzingis would give the Celtics another potential future all-star to play alongside Fultz, hopefully for years to come. A stretch-four who can shoot, rebound and block shots would be more than enough for the team to be excited about for the future. Adding a solid future role player like Hernangomez wouldn't hurt either, while adding Thomas and his contract wouldn't stifle their future, as the two years remaining on his contract following this season would expire before most of the players on this team would be up for contract renewals.

Trade 2:
Boston Celtics receive: Zach LaVine

Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Jae Crowder

Another trade that would make perfect sense for both teams involved in the case of a Celtics' rebuild. Crowder would give Tom Thibodeau the veteran leader and hard-working, defensive presence he desperately desired in his first year as the Timberwolves coach. The fact that he is still young and on a very team-friendly contract would only make Thibodeau and the Timberwolves happier.

LaVine would provide the Celtics with an extremely athletic and young shooting guard who can attack the rim very well and knock down three pointers consistently, although his mid-range game needs some improvement. If necessary, he could also split point guard duties with Fultz.

Trade 3:
Boston Celtics receive: Aaron Gordon

Orlando Magic receive: Avery Bradley

The Magic are in desperate need of some consistency and stability. Enter Avery Bradley! His defense prowess and shooting ability would give the Magic another wing alongside Evan Fournier who can knock down shots while providing leadership in the locker room. More importantly, he would provide the Magic with some sense of direction for the future.

Although not a good shooter by any stretch of the imagination, Gordon is extremely athletic and has the potential to be a very good all-around player who can rebound, pass, and defend at an above average level, making him the perfect complementary player to play alongside shooters Fultz, LaVine, and Porzingis.

Rozier showed a lot of growth in his second year as a back-up point guard for the Celtics, which earned him a consistent spot in the rotation throughout the Celtics' playoff run. Packaging him alongside a first-round pick would be more than the 76ers could ask for in exchange for Okafor, who does not possess much trade value at all.

Giving up these two assets for Okafor, who comes with a history of injuries and attitude problems, would definitely be a gamble for the Celtics. However, with so many assets readily available for consolidation, the risk would be worth for the Celtics to take. Okafor does not stretch the floor in any way, but the Celtics would have Porzingis to do that. Therefore, the post would be wide open for Okafor to use his strong offensive post skills to score whenever necessary. His rebounding and shot blocking abilities would be a welcomed addition as well.

The Nuggets have been looking to consolidate their assets into a star player for a few years now. This would be their chance to do so. Horford would not only provide them with a solid option to play alongside Nikola Jokic in the frontcourt, forming potentially the best passing frontcourt in the league, he would hopefully convince Danilo Gallinari to come back to Denver to make a run at the playoffs over the picking years. Muhammad would provide Denver with another solid wing to improve their chances at a solid playoff run.

A hard-working, gritty player like Faried would be exactly the type of player who could provide an energy boost off of Thibodeau's bench. Thomas' veteran presence would also help in making a push for the playoffs.

Combo guard Murray has the most upside out of the three players the Celtics are receiving in this deal, but each of the three men has potential to develop into a solid role player in the league, and hopefully more than a role player in Murray's case. Pairing Hernangomez with his brother in the frontcourt would also be fun to watch, if anything, for their family.

It looks like the Wizards and Gortat might be ready for a divorce this offseason, so replacing him with two younger centers who are both very solid players would be ideal for the Wizards this offseason. Losing Oubre would hurt, but he is replaceable since it's almost a virtual guarantee that Otto Porter Jr. is resigned by the Wizards.

The Rockets are all set on the offensive side of the basketball, but they can definitely use some toughness and stability in the middle. Forget has never been the best player on a basketball court, however, he rebounds the ball very well and is a tough defender who could add extra toughness to the Rockets' frontcourt.

Oubre and Dekker would simply add additional youth, athleticism, and potential to a team already full of each of those characteristics. Oubre us more potential than Dekker, and the Celtics would hope to watch him blossom into a very solid starter in the league.

The potential of this team would be through the roof! Again, I don't think this would ever happen nor do I think it would be the best course of action for the team to take, however, the team was the choose the rebuilding route, this would be the ideal way to go.

dannywhitesox1

1.) 25 May 2017 22:10:09
The Knicks wouldn't trade Porzingis for IT. IT is on an expiring contract and can't defend at all. While there aren't a ton of guys on his level, there are a lot of players with similar skill sets and Porzingis's skill set is almost impossible to find and he's locked up for the foreseeable future.
The second isn't terrible, but I don't think it's worth the risk for the Celtics or the Timberwolves. One team would end up looking bad at the end of that trade.
3rd trade is bad for both teams. Bradley is close to free agency, the Magic have little hope of being a playoff team, and they just got burned on a win now move. Gordon is a guy who has the talent to become a star but it's still up in the air. If you're trading Bradley you want a sure thing and the magic are better off with high upside guys while trying to rebuild.
4th Not terrible, but maybe to much for okafor.
5th not enough for horford
6th Washington is getting fleeced.

2.) 25 May 2017 22:12:02
So you think that IT can get you Porzingis AND Hernangomez? LAC pick in Okafor trade? That pick looks like it's going to be top 5. Also, out of those 3 centers, Okafor would be 3rd in depth chart. Rest is pretty good if they want to rebuild, but Celtics would have to give much more assets in Porzingis trade so it makes all other trades pretty impossible.

14 Aug 2017 22:44:30
I agree that the 76ers may be giving up too much but what you guys have to understand is that the Knicks aren't at all desperate to trade Porzingis, and even Anthony for that matter taking into account the offers they've received for him, therefore, it would take a king's ransom deal to grab him. 76ers have a lot of assets that they will have to consolidate at some point, and they should that sooner rather than waiting till later and receiving pennies on the dollar.

Porzingis has a truly unique skill set, is a superstar in the making playing in a superstar's league, and is extremely young, making him worth the king's ransom. The fact that they would still have enough money to spend on a top free agent next season in an effort to fill out their line-up would be icing on the cake.